cover of The Guicai Talisman by A.M. Griffin
The Guicai Talisman by A.M. Griffin

After a bit of a break I have another author interview with A.M. Griffin, a prolific author. She is promoting her most recent book The Guicai Talisman (The Undercity Chronicles of Babylonia Jones, P.I.). As well as urban fantasy A.M. Griffin also writes romance. You can see all A.M. Griffin’s work on her website.

A.M. Griffin – the interview

Do you write for a living, or do you also do other work?

I have a full-time job that I love and I write part-time. Sometimes I think that I’d want to write full-time, but then it would turn into something that I had to do instead of something that I love to do. So for now I have no desire to write full-time.

How did you get into being a professional writer, and how much effort did it take to be able to write?

After I wrote my first book I submitted the manuscript to a publisher. That part wasn’t hard at all. I knew where I wanted the book to go and thankfully I didn’t have any problems getting in. I think if I wanted to write full-time I would have to write more books a year than I do, which, since I already have a full-time job, would be very difficult for me.

Were you always good at telling stories, or has it come to you as an adult?

This calling has been with me from the very start. My mother is a writer and seeing her at her desk and on her typewriter was a staple in our house. I was always encouraged to write and to express my feelings through paper and pen. So while writing has always been in my life, the actual journey begins with each new story.

Were you good at English in school?

No, I was and still am horrible at it. Thankfully I have really good editors. Lol. I’m picking up some stuff along the way, but if I had to grade myself I would place my English skills in the sixth grade level. lol.

What do you read for enjoyment?

Regency romance and anything by Dean Koontz. I love being swept away in those worlds.

What advice would you give someone who wants to be a writer?

Keep at it and never give up your dream. Writing isn’t easy, but it can be fulfilling if you stick with it. Also, get some writer buddies. Writing can be a very lonesome job, but with the right people around you, it doesn’t have to be.

What is the most useful advice you’ve been given?

It would be to not to engage the reviewers. Not everyone is going to like my story, my writing style or my ideas and that’s their prerogative. I’ve learned not to take it personally. Yes, I would love everyone to love my characters as much as I do, but they don’t have to, and it’s ok.

What is the strangest advice you’ve been given?

Hmmm. No strange advice yet. I’ll have to keep an eye out for that. lol

Where can I read your words?

The Guicai Talisman (The Undercity Chronicles of Babylonia Jones, P.I.) is available from a range of stores:

website: http://www.amgriffinbooks.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/amgriffinbooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMGriffinbooks

Instagram: amgriffinbooks